I've been modelling, painting miniatures and wargaming since I was a wee lad in Swansea, this blog details some of my interests - I hope that you like it.
In 2010 I started a new modelling venture - building 40mm AWI/ACW terrain pieces and designing 28mm masters, which are then cast and available for sale from Grand Manner. - All original images and text are copyright of A. S. Harwood (Dampfpanzerwagon)

Friday, 13 July 2012

Iberian Windmill - The first of a new Blog feature

Earlier this month we had visitors and I plucked from the attic some early terrain pieces to show them examples of the models I build. This particular Iberian or Portuguese Windmill was built some years ago and although it has featured as a backdrop to some earlier snaps, I thought it was worthwhile featuring it here in a new Blog section labelled Terrain Gallery.

As it was already down from storage I took the opportunity to re-flock the base as the original had become rather pale and threadbare. In addition I have picked-out a couple of the stones in the base with acrylic paint.

The model is of an Iberian windmill that I found in a tourism magazine or brochure. The base is constructed from a piece of MDF, cut into a rough oval with the edges chamfered. The stone base is modelled from DAS modelling clay over a couple of stacked discs of plain corrugated cardboard and the rough stairway is built from scraps of thin wood.

The body of the windmill was constructed from card with a thin veneer of Balsawood onto which I have scribed planking and nail holes. The roof was built from individual pieces of card over a simple former.

The sails (or should that be masts) are built from barbecue skewers sanded and cut to shape. The rope is just cotton held in place with superglue.

All the painting was carried-out with my usual stock of modelling paints.

The model base is 120mm x 130mm and the whole windmill stands 170mm tall (to top of sail).

The images below show the model in greater detail. Unfortunately I have no work-in-progress shots.

Finally I have scoured the Internet for an image of the original to illustrate this post. The best I could find was this painting which I have downloaded from Google. It was difficult to find an image free of copyright but I think this is one, should there be any objections I will of course remove it.

This remains one of my favourite pieces of wargame terrain and although not based on any feature that might have been involved in a historical engagement I like it for its novelty value and uniqueness.

It is my intention to add other pieces of terrain to this section, so keep an eye out for more.

Followers

About Me

Born and brought up in Swansea, South Wales, I now live in Droitwich with my wife Sue. My daughter Holly is now working as a teacher in Stourport. My son, Gary lives in Leamington Spa with his Wife Beckie and our two Grandsons Finley and Charlie, but I still think of myself as a 'Jack' (an in-joke known to those of a certain age who count Swansea as their home town). Like my Grandfather, my Father and Uncle, I have made models, painted toy soldiers and wargamed since I was a very young boy and now feel privileged that I have the time to dedicate to my hobby. This Blog is a great way recording how I have developed as a modeller, but it's not ALL about model making. I hope you enjoy it. Tony